mohism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, historical, philosophical
Quick answer
What does “mohism” mean?
The ethical doctrine and school of thought founded by the ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi, emphasizing universal love, utilitarianism, and anti-aggression.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ethical doctrine and school of thought founded by the ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi, emphasizing universal love, utilitarianism, and anti-aggression.
A principled adherence to the ideas of Mozi, often referring to a utilitarian, pragmatic, and pacifistic approach to ethics and governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scholarly. Associated with sinology, comparative philosophy, and history of ideas.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to academic texts on Chinese philosophy.
Grammar
How to Use “mohism” in a Sentence
[Subject] studies/analyses/critiques Mohism.Mohism [verb] emphasizes/advocates/rejects...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mohism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scholar sought to Mohise the principles for a modern audience. (Note: 'Mohise' is an extremely rare and non-standard verbal derivation.)
American English
- He attempted to Mohise the argument, drawing directly from the original texts.
adverb
British English
- He argued Mohistically for the reduction of wasteful ceremonies.
American English
- The policy was conceived Mohistically, with a focus on practical benefit.
adjective
British English
- The Mohist perspective offers a unique critique of ritual.
American English
- Her analysis was deeply Mohist in its utilitarian calculations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, religious studies, sinology, and history departments.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in specialized studies of Chinese thought.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mohism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mohism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mohism”
- Confusing 'Mohism' with 'Maoism'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'pacifism' or 'utilitarianism'.
- Misspelling as 'Moism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As an organized school, it died out in ancient China. However, its ideas are studied and have seen some revival of interest among modern scholars.
Mohism promoted 'impartial care' (universal love) and utilitarian benefit, while Confucianism emphasized graded, relationship-specific love (filial piety) and the importance of ritual and tradition.
The standard adjective is 'Mohist' (e.g., Mohist thought). Using 'Mohism' as an adjective is incorrect.
It declined as an organized school after the Warring States period and was largely suppressed or absorbed by later philosophical developments, particularly the rise of Confucianism as state orthodoxy.
The ethical doctrine and school of thought founded by the ancient Chinese philosopher Mozi, emphasizing universal love, utilitarianism, and anti-aggression.
Mohism is usually academic, historical, philosophical in register.
Mohism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable; term is a technical proper noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MO' (like Mozi) + 'HISM' (like a system or ism). Mozi's -ism.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHILOSOPHY IS A BUILDING (the foundations of Mohism; constructing Mohist arguments).
Practice
Quiz
Mohism is primarily a philosophical school from which tradition?